Hyoe Koyokaku in Kobe

I travel to the city by international flight connecting buses, when I arrive I expected taxi to help me to move my luggage to hotel. Or I would find shuttle buses but there was none. I then I finally move everything upward to the hotel lobby then was told: I COULD CALL HOTEL TO SEND FREE SHUTTLE BUS TO SEND US UP TO THE HOTEL For free!!!

I emailed hotel in advance to my departure but was not advised how shuttle bus would work, or given impression there would be taxi lining up at bus station.

SO, PLEASE BE AWARE/ ADVISE, you can call hotel to pick you up!!

The hotel is big, and a bit rundown, but hot spring, tatami room, dinner are within my expectation.

My friend who travel to Japan told me other nature hot springs are cheaper than this city. But I don’t mind to try once in my life. I would like to visit other hot springs in Japan in the future.

Did not stay but used Onsen + lunch package. Onsen was one of the best in my life in Japan. I could use 1の湯 and 3の湯 all alone. Could not believe I was the only person using this onsen at that time. My body and mind both could be relaxed and refreshed. Food was also very nice. Next time I would love to stay a night.

The spot was super central. The staff were really nice. The hotel has this old-school charm, even if it's a bit dated, but they keep it up well. I loved their onsens, both inside and out. They even switch them daily so you get different views. Plus, you can get a private onsen for a bit extra.

We stayed at the west block which offers a nice view of the town. The public onsen are the big highlights together with the kaiseki dinner and buffet breakfast. The hotel has a long history so the building does have a slightly dated feeling to it and it's a huge hotel (with multiple blocks and floors) so might not offer a cozy feeling.

Wow. Wow. Wow! This was the most magical experience of our entire Japan trip. We did the Kobe dinner in our room and had access to both the public onsen and booked a private one.

I have celiac and they made sure to prepare the dinner so I could still experience all the amazing food. Make sure to let them know any dietary restrictions or allergies ahead of time! It is very limited on English speaking so make sure to have your translation app and make sure to follow all the rules! Again: a very magical experience!

(Trip was made back then on 8 Dec 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit)

Can’t believe it’s been 2 years since we stayed at this ryokan.

Even though the decor might look a little dated, it’s actually very clean and well maintained.

The rooms are designed in the traditional Japanese style which I love and had a brilliant view of the natural landscape (depending on which room you get). They also had a personal massage chair in the room for you to unwind in.

They offer quite a variety of options for breakfast also which was buffet style in a communal setting at the restaurant.

Dinner itself was a very personal affair in your own room and the dishes were just exquisite. Of all the ryokans we have stayed at, the meals served at Hyoe Koyokaku were the best. We could tell that the ingredients were high quality as it’s so fresh and the taste was just divine.

And of course, their onsen was just amazing, with 3 different style baths to choose from. There are even 3 massage chairs just outside the onsen where guests could relax in.

The staff were very hospitable and provided great service in spite of the language barrier.

It was a good decision to indulge by staying 2 nights at this ryokan. It was one of the most memorable experience we had and would definitely love to revisit again when Japan opens up to travelling in the future after Covid-19 blows over.

Everything is beautil here! Food is very delicious and service is wonderful! Definitely will come back with my whole family!

There are 3 baths in the hotel. And that part is brilliant.

Great onsen experience. Definitely will return for more.